Remove NetModuleSearch Adware From Mac OS

Easy Steps To Delete NetModuleSearch

NetModuleSearch is a type of potentially unwanted application (PUA) which tends to silently infiltrate the Mac computers without users’ approval and cause various hazardous issues in the machine. It starts the execution of unethical practices with first of all making changes in default browser’s settings and grabbing full control over the entire browser. It sets its own domain as the new homepage, search engine and new tab addresses and also installs several browser helper objects to browsers to prevent the settings from being restored. These add-ons though work as spyware and record all the keystrokes.

Depth Analysis of NetModuleSearch:

Modifications caused by NetModuleSearch to your browser can significantly decrease the performance and speed. In addition, it constant displays annoying adverts on each web page you visit and causes unwanted redirects to unknown sites. Redirects and questionable ads can bring you to dangerous websites where malevolent JavaScript can deceitfully install malware on your system. In the worst case, you might have to deal with ransomware that can encrypt your files and demand payment for a decryption key.

Also, an unsettling fact is that NetModuleSearch uses data-tracking methods. It allows PUPs to reach information regarding your search queries, most viewed and searched websites, geo-location etc. Information tracking is an important part of a browser-hijacking software as this data is later used by advertisement providers to generate and display the specific content. All the search queries that users enter into customized search tool bring out results from Yahoo. Although there is nothing wrong with Yahoo and it is a legitimate browsing tool, but the outcomes provided by it are still inorganic.

NetModuleSearch users will see several sponsored links leading to partners’ websites. Creators of this PUP earn money from every single click made (pay-per-click scheme is used). This notorious adware downgrades the overall system performance severely as it consumes enormous amount of memory resources and increases the usage of CPU. Instead of using a hijacked Firefox, Chrome, Explorer or Safari search engine, better perform NetModuleSearch removal from your machine and use Yahoo, Google, Bing or other legitimate tools.

Quick Glance

Name: NetModuleSearch

Type: Mac virus, Adware, Browser hijacker, Potentially unwanted program

Short Description: Redirects Mac users to affiliate sites, promotes sponsored products, services and programs and make online revenues for the creators, Also steals users’ personal and confidential information and share them with hackers for evil purposes.

Symptoms: Alterations in default browser’s settings, default Internet search engine, Tons of intrusive adverts, Fake pop-up messages, identity theft, new tab settings. Users are enforced to visit hijacker’s website and search the Internet using their search engines, slowness of infected system’s performance.

Distribution methods: Free software installers (bundling), Deceptive emails, malicious pop-ups ads, fake flash player installers.

Damage: Web browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), exhibition of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites.

Removal: To get rid of this infection and other malware threats, our security researchers recommend scanning your device with an effective anti-malware tool.

How Does This Adware Enter Your PC?

Potentially unwanted programs like adware or browser hijackers often sneak into the targeted systems with freeware that users install incorrectly. People tend to skip through steps of the installation when they do not pay enough attention. For example, they click on “Next” button without looking. Freeware developers often attach additional components into software installers. If you are not careful enough, you will end up with potentially unwanted programs, like browser hijackers or adware.

Tips To Avoid Adware Intrusion:

By opting for Advanced or Custom options during installation processes, you see the full list of contents that are included in the software package. At this point, you can deselect any unwanted tool or program and only leave the desired application. In case your device is already infected with this PUP, you are strongly recommended to remove NetModuleSearch from the machine without wasting any time.

Remove Files and Folders Related to NetModuleSearch

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove NetModuleSearch from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete NetModuleSearch add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to NetModuleSearch. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.